Fractal switching systems and related electromechanical devices

ABSTRACT

This invention entails the use of fractal shapes as cores for electromagnets, and a concurrent shape of a fractal for the windings which surround it. The novelty of this invention lies not only with the shaping, but the advantage of such shaping, which includes producing a smaller form factor electromagnet for the same desired magnetic field strength, when compared to a conventional electromagnet. It will be appreciated that a range of devices including electromagnets, based on such fractal shaping, are additionally novel and include but are not limited to solenoid switches, relays, and other devices in which the fractal electromagnets are used to make a change in state of some device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/011,423 entitled “Fractal Switching Systems And RelatedElectromechanical Devices” filed Jun. 18, 2018 which is based upon andclaims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/520,821,entitled “Fractal Switching Systems and related ElectromechanicalDevices,” filed Jun. 16, 2017; the entire contents of both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Electromagnets are a long-established and useful tool for performing anumber of actions where magnetic attraction is invoked. The magneticproperties are defined by the structure of the electromagnet, which inits simplest form comprises an iron (or other metal)-based coresurrounded by insulated conductive wire, windings of a coil, and thenattachment to a power source. The power source, when driven through thewindings, produces a compact magnetic field which then turns the coreinto a magnet as long as the current flows.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conventional circular winding 100 for use in aconventional electromagnet.

FIG. 2 depicts a conventional cylindrical magnet 200 for use with aconventional electromagnet, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1.

The emphasis on electromagnets in the prior art has been predominatelyon materials that make up the core, as opposed to the shape of the coreand the wire windings which surround it. This is been predicated on theassumption that the best way to do a core is in the form of a circularcylinder. However there is no reason based on physics why other shapescannot and should not be used to make electromagnets.

SUMMARY

As aspect of the present disclosure provides or entails the use offractal shapes as cores for electromagnets. A further aspect of thepresent disclosure provides or entails the use of fractal shape(s) forthe windings which surround a core. In exemplary embodiments, one ormore fractal windings may be used concurrently with one or more coreshaving fractal shapes. Advantages of such fractal structures and/or“shapings” can include electromagnetic devices and structures producingor having a smaller form factor for the same desired magnetic fieldstrength, when compared to conventional electromagnet structures anddevices.

It will be appreciated that, based on such fractal shaping, a range ofnovel fractallized switching devices (including electromagnetstructures) are realizable in accordance with the present disclosure;such devices and/or structures can include, but are not limited to,solenoid switches, relays, and other devices in which the fractalelectromagnets are used to make a change in state of or produced by agiven device.

These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits,and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanyingdrawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate allembodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead.Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save spaceor for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practicedwith additional components or steps and/or without all of the componentsor steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appears indifferent drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conventional circular electromagnet.

FIG. 2 depicts a conventional cylindrical magnet and coils for use as aconventional electromagnet.

FIG. 3 depicts a fractal winding, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts multiple stacked fractal windings, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a fractal magnet for use with a fractal electromagnetaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of an exemplary embodiment of a fractal magnet inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may beused in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessarymay be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Someembodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/orwithout all of the components or steps that are described.

As referenced above, as aspect of the present disclosure provides orentails the use of fractal shapes as cores for electromagnets. A furtheraspect of the present disclosure provides or entails the use of fractalshape(s) for the windings which surround a core. In exemplaryembodiments, one or more fractal windings may be used concurrently withone or more cores having fractal shapes. Advantages of such fractalstructures and/or “shapings” can include electromagnetic devices andstructures producing or having a smaller form factor for the samedesired magnetic field strength, when compared to conventionalelectromagnet structures and devices. According to further aspects ofthe present disclosure, based on such fractal shaping, a range of novelfractallized switching devices (including electromagnet structures) arerealizable in accordance with the present disclosure; such devicesand/or structures can include, but are not limited to, solenoidswitches, relays, and other devices in which the fractal electromagnetsare used to make a change in state of or produced by a given device.

A fractal shape is one in which a complex shape is made by building upseveral scales of a simpler shape. Such fractal shapes are oftendescribed as self similar, and a new scaling may be referred to as an“iteration.” It will be noted that the definition of fractal in apractical sense, such as used herein, incorporates two or moreiterations of a simple shape to make the complex fractal shape, and doesnot invoke an infinite number iterations to do so. It will further benoted from review of the inventor's prior patents on fractal relatedinventions—such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,965,663, 9,935,503, 9,847,583,9,647,271, and 7,999,754—that this working definition of “fractal,”e.g., having fewer or a set number or range in number of iterations, hasbecome an accepted and well-known. It will be appreciated that all usesof the term “fractal” in the context of the present disclosure can referto at least portions of, e.g., a trace or winding or contour of a magnetor shape or structure, where there is a fractal iteration on two or moresize scales. All of the above-referenced patents are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

As previously mentioned, an aspect of the present disclosure provides anelectromagnet having a core, or magnet, that is fractal shaped. Suchcores or magnets can present a perimeter that is substantially greaterthan a circular cylinder of the same outer dimensions, e.g., widthand/or height. As windings can be expressed and placed on the perimeterof such a fractal cylinder, when acting as a core of an electromagnet,the length of the windings—themselves fractal in shape—will besubstantially greater than would otherwise be achieved with a circularcylinder used for the core. Because the magnetic field relates directlyto the actual length of wire and its placement of windings, it will beappreciated that the magnetic field will by definition be stronger withsuch a fractal shape. The fractal core preferably is composed of one ormore magnetic materials, e.g., iron or cobalt or the like, that allowthe magnetic field to be concentrated and thus have the core act as amagnet as long as the windings are powered by an outside power source. Afractal electromagnet or related structure (e.g., core) according to thepresent disclosure can thus work as a more compact device, e.g., whichhas the pleasing feature of having the same magnetic field attraction ofa much larger conventional electromagnet.

For example, in a fractal electromagnet according to the presentdisclosure, coils of wire are formed as contiguous and attached turnswith fractal shapes, such as (but not limited to) a Koch island,Minkowski Island, or Koch Snowflake or other suitable fractal orfractal-like shapes. While prior art electromagnets rely on non-fractalshapes (see the circular turn and core of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively),fractal electromagnets according to the present disclosure rely onfractal turn and/or fractal shaped cores (see a rough depiction offractal coils in FIGS. 3-4 and fractal core with fractal turns in FIG.5, respectively). In addition, the electromagnet core (which in priorart devices would otherwise be a circular rod) can be replaced by a rodwith a fractal shape that translates (extends) down the rod length. Forexample, an electromagnetic core can have a circumference that includesor is defined by (over the whole extent or part of its extent) a fractalcurve (of at least two or more iterations). The fractal circumferencecan extend along at least part of the extent of the longitudinal axis ofthe core (the long axis), such that part, or the entire surface, forms afractal-shaped cylinder (in the strict definition of a cylinder, i.e.,not the more common usage equating to a circular cylinder). This thusplaces the rod in near proximity to the shape of the fractal turns(bends). Apparatus and methods of/for construction of such devices,e.g., such as use of a jig and/or molding process, are also claimed asnovel and considered to be part of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can utilize a fractalelectromagnet in a switching system. In this case the electromagnet canbe operated in an on and off fashion to attract a lever or some otherdevice thereby turning a switch on and off.

In exemplary embodiments, a fractal switch can be purely capacitive,where a capacitance change—due to a change is proximity of, say a fingeror other device or structure—activates the switch. In this case thefractal acts as a capacitor rather than a magnet. Such a fractalcapacitor-activated switch which may this also be used as a not merely aswitch but an indicator of change, thus rendering the fractal “switch”into a fractal “sensor.”

A further embodiment entails fractal electromagnets as components ofdynamos, motors, solenoids, generators and/or electromagnetic actuators.It will be appreciated that the changing magnetic field afforded by inthis case fractal electromagnets allows for more compact and/or smallermotors, dynamos, solenoids, actuators, and so on. Alternatively, for thesame given form factor, improved performance can be achieved with suchfractal electromagnets.

A further embodiment of the invention includes a cooling system for thefractal electromagnet. It will be appreciated that such a fractal shape,for example comprising a fractal electromagnet in a cylindrical height,can then be surrounded by an outer sheath or housing (e.g., acylindrical or rectangular housing) and a fluid, such as air, water, orother, may be forced to flow through the cylinder or housing (e.g., by apump or fan), thereby cooling the coil windings and fractal shaped core.The fluid can be part of a fluidic circuit operative to cool the coilsor windings of the electromagnet (and the electromagnet itself includingthe core, which can absorb heat). The fluidic circuit can include a heatsink such as a radiator or other heat transfer device, e.g., anair-to-air intercooler, a liquid (e.g. water)-to-air water cooler, andthe like. Thus in a fractal electromagnet the opportunity for cooling isadditionally shrunken in size with that added benefit.

It will be appreciated that not all electromagnet cores are necessarilycylinders (typically thought of as circular cylinders). The example isgiven for easiest illustration of the invention, but will be appreciatedthat any fractal-like core shape with its concurrent coil windings beingalso fractal shapes, affords the advantages so named.

FIG. 3 depicts a fractal winding 300, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, winding (or, turn) 300has a fractal or fractallized path 302 having multiple generator motifs304. Circuit connections 306 are shown, e.g., for connection to acurrent or power source. Winding 300 can be made of or include anysuitable conductive material, including but not limited to copper,silver, conductive ink, conductive plastic, and/or the like.

FIG. 4 depicts a set or stacking 400 of multiple fractal windingssimilar to the one of FIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure. Such a stacking 400 can be used with a corefor, e.g., an electromagnet or electromagnetic actuator. Preferable thecoils are wrapped in or coated with an insulating material such thatthat when adjacent to one another current cannot travel directly betweenphysically adjacent coils; rather the current travels along the (shaped)longitudinal axis of the coil or winding. Any suitable insulatingmaterial can be used.

FIG. 5 depicts a fractal magnet with windings configured as a fractalelectromagnet 500 according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown, electromagnet 500 includes a core 502 having across-section in the shape of a Koch star. A number of coils or windings504 are wrapped or configured around the circumferential face (relativeto a longitudinal axis) of the core 502. When current from a powersupply is sent through the coils, the electromagnet 500 will becomeactive.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of an exemplary implemented 600 embodiment of afractal magnet with core and windings, similar to that of FIG. 5, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further exemplary embodiments are directed to a fractal solenoid orsolenoid system, which can operate as a switch or actuator activated byan electromagnet. Such a fractal solenoid employs or relies on a fractalcore that is moveable with respect to the related windings. Otherfractal electromagnet-controlled and or activated switches are alsowithin the scope of the present disclosure.

If desired, a fractal switch can be purely capacitive, where thecapacitance change by proximity of, say a finger (finger-like orbranched structure) or other device or structure. In this case thefractal acts as a capacitor rather than a magnet. Such a fractalcapacitor-activated switch which may this also be used as not merely aswhich but an indicator of change (e.g., a certain amount of charge,etc.) thus rendering the fractal ‘switch’ into a fractal ‘sensor’. Likethe fractal electromagnet, the fractal coil turns may replaceconventional ‘windings’ of dynamos, transformers, and motors and thisnovelty is so claimed.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1. A fractal electromagnetic switching system comprising: a coreincluding a fractal surface; and a plurality of windings disposed aroundthe core and configured to receive and conduct an electric current.

2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein at least one winding of theplurality of windings has a fractal shape.

3. The system of embodiment 2, wherein the fractal shape comprises aKoch star.

4. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the core comprises a ferrousmaterial.

5. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the core comprises cobalt.

6. The system of embodiment 1 further comprising a cooling systemoperative to remove heat from the windings.

7. The system of embodiment 6, wherein the cooling system comprises: ahousing surrounding the plurality of windings; and a fluid held by thehousing and in contact with the windings.

8. The system of embodiment 7, further comprising a pump operative toforce the fluid from the windings to a heat sink.

9. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the fluid comprises water.

10. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the fluid comprises air.

11. A fractal electromagnetic actuator or solenoid comprising: a coreincluding a fractal surface; and a plurality of windings disposed aroundthe core and configured to receive and conduct an electric current;wherein the core is moveable with respect to the windings and inresponse to a current passing through the windings; an actuating rod,arm, or other linkage can be connected to the core, e.g., for moving oractuating a switch or flow valve, or the like, etc.

12. The system of embodiment 11, wherein at least one winding of theplurality of windings has a fractal shape.

13. The system of embodiment 12, wherein the fractal shape comprises aKoch star.

14. The system of embodiment 11, wherein the core comprises a ferrousmaterial.

15. The system of embodiment 11, wherein the core comprises cobalt.

16. A fractal electromagnet system comprising: a core including afractal surface; and a plurality of windings disposed around the coreand configured to receive and conduct an electric current.

17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein at least one winding of theplurality of windings has a fractal shape.

18. The system of embodiment 17, wherein the fractal shape comprises aKoch star.

19. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the core comprises a ferrousmaterial.

20. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the core comprises cobalt.

21. The system of embodiment 17 further comprising a cooling systemoperative to remove heat from the windings.

22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the cooling system comprises: ahousing surrounding the plurality of windings; and a fluid held by thehousing and in contact with the windings.

23. The system of embodiment 22, further comprising a pump operative toforce the fluid from the windings to a heat sink.

24. The system of embodiment 22, wherein the fluid comprises water.

25. The system of embodiment 22, wherein the fluid comprises air.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions,magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in thisspecification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, notexact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistentwith the functions to which they relate and with what is customary inthe art to which they pertain.

All articles, patents, patent applications, and other publications thathave been cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

The phrase “means for” when used in a claim is intended to and should beinterpreted to embrace the corresponding structures and materials thathave been described and their equivalents. Similarly, the phrase “stepfor” when used in a claim is intended to and should be interpreted toembrace the corresponding acts that have been described and theirequivalents. The absence of these phrases from a claim means that theclaim is not intended to and should not be interpreted to be limited tothese corresponding structures, materials, or acts, or to theirequivalents.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow.That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as isconsistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in theclaims when interpreted in light of this specification and theprosecution history that follows, except where specific meanings havebeen set forth, and to encompass all structural and functionalequivalents.

Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another, withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or orderbetween them. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and any othervariation thereof when used in connection with a list of elements in thespecification or claims are intended to indicate that the list is notexclusive and that other elements may be included. Similarly, an elementproceeded by an “a” or an “an” does not, without further constraints,preclude the existence of additional elements of the identical type.

None of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails tosatisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act,nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended coverage ofsuch subject matter is hereby disclaimed. Except as just stated in thisparagraph, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended orshould be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step,feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public,regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

The abstract is provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the natureof the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, various features in the foregoing detaileddescription are grouped together in various embodiments to streamlinethe disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted asrequiring claimed embodiments to require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing onits own as separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of actuation using a fractal actuator,the method comprising: providing a core including a fractal surface,wherein the core has a longitudinal axis and the fractal surface has afractal perimeter in a radial direction relative to the longitudinalaxis; and disposing a plurality of windings around the core, wherein theplurality of windings is configured to receive and conduct an electriccurrent; wherein the core is movable with respect to the plurality ofwindings and in response to a current passing through the windings;applying an electric current to the plurality of windings and therebyeffecting movement of the core with respect to the plurality ofwindings.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one winding of theplurality of windings has a fractal shape.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the fractal shape comprises a Koch star.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the core comprises a ferrous material.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the core comprises cobalt.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising cooling the actuator using a cooling system operative toremove heat from the plurality of windings.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the cooling system comprises: a housing surrounding theplurality of windings; and a fluid held by the housing and in contactwith the windings.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising using apump to move fluid from the plurality of windings to a heat sink.
 9. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the fluid comprises water.
 10. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the fluid comprises air.